A recent announcement at the Ministry of Manpower's Committee of Supply 2022 stated that updates to the requirements for Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders will be in effect from 1 September 2022 onwards. These changes are to ensure that EP and S Pass holders are of good calibre with the skills necessary to be a part of the local workforce instead of a cheaper alternative to local hires.
Updates to EP qualifying salary
From 1 September 2022, new EP applications are subject to the updated qualifying salaries as seen in the table below. For pass renewals, these changes will apply to passes expiring on or after 1 September 2023.
| Minimum EP Qualifying Salary(for all sectors, except Financial Services (FS)) | $5,000(increases progressively with age, up to $10,500 for those in their mid-40s) |
| Minimum EP Qualifying Salary(for FS sectors) | $5,500(increases progressively with age, up to $11,500 for those in their mid-40s) |
The benchmark stated for EP qualifying salary is based on the top one-third of local Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMET) wages. This ensures the quality of EP holders are on par with the top one-third of local PMETs.
Further details on these upcoming changes to EP eligibility can be found here.
Updates to S Pass qualifying salary and levies
As of 1 September 2022, new S Pass applications will adhere to the updated S Pass qualifying salaries as seen in the table below. For S Pass renewals, these changes will only apply to passes expiring on or after 1 September 2023.
S Pass Qualifying Salary
| Minimum Qualifying Salary(for all sectors, except FS) | $3,000(increases progressively with age, up to $4,500 for those in mid-40s) |
| Minimum Qualifying Salary(for FS sector) | $3,500(increases progressively with age, up to $5,500 for those in mid-40s) |
S Pass Levy
| Tier 1 Levy(for companies with S Passes up to 10% of total workforce) | $450 |
| Tier 2 Levy(for companies with S Passes above 10% to 18% of total workforce) | $650(no change from prevailing) |
The benchmark for the cost of hiring an S Pass holder, which is inclusive of both qualifying salary and levy, is based on the top one-third of local Associate Professionals and Technicians (APT) wages. Similarly, the increased qualifying salary is to ensure that S Pass holders are comparable to the top one-third of local APTs. To attain this benchmark, the upcoming increase in the S Pass qualifying salary and levy is the first of three steps.
Further details on these upcoming changes to S Pass eligibility can be found here.
Self-Assessment Tool (SAT)
The Self-Assessment Tool on the MOM website has been made available since 1 August 2022 which employers could use to check whether their candidates qualify for the EP or S Pass. You may also refer to the Factsheet on Foreign Workforce Policy Announcements at Committee of Supply 2022 for further information.
If you require professional help with work pass applications for your business, Transform Borders will guide you from start to finish to ensure that you get the latest, accurate information and adhere to the guidelines. For more information about applying for work passes in Singapore in 2022, get in touch with us for a free consultation today!